Cradle-Type Swing Seats for Children

ABSTRACT

A cradle-type swing seat includes two main parts: a steel tube ring made in two halves joined together to form an oval frame, and a resilient, flexible carrier formed by a cruciform moulding of resilient, flexible polymeric material. The frame halves have holes for fixing chain suspension parts and holes for fixing the two halves together. The carrier is fixed to the frame by apertures at its extremities so that it can be slotted onto the top ring. The flexible carrier is moulded flat and its limbs are folded up to fix to the frame. The completed assembly forms a safe swing seat for young children.

This invention relates to a cradle-type swing seat for a child.

Over a long period of time, there have been many proposals forcradle-type swing seats for children. The conflicting requirements ofstrength, durability, ease of manufacture, reasonable cost, resistanceto vandalism and, above all, safety in impact are very difficult toachieve in practice. Furthermore, a seat has to be safe to the extentthat it must pass an impact test to ensure that it will not injure achild if the child is hit by the swinging seat.

An early example of a cradle-type swing seat is to be found in U.S. Pat.No. 1,401,595. According to that specification, a flexible seat pocketmade of fabric is suspended from a rigid seat frame. The rigid frame isof a complex construction and therefore expensive to manufacture, theseat pocket of fabric would be easily vandalized and the “pocket” iseffectively a bag with leg holes in which a child is placed and wouldnot be able to give any real freedom of movement to the child.

In our patent specification GB 2,215,315, we disclose a swing seat whichhas no rigid frame but comprises a steel chain embedded in rubber.Because of its lack of any rigid parts, that seat is not especiallycomfortable for a child using it.

In our patent specification GB 1,535,728, we disclose a bench-type swingseat in which the edges of a rigid seat member are surrounded by aspecial impact-absorbing rubber structure based on the principle ofbuckling struts. The same impact-absorbing rubber structure was appliedby us to all the rigid seat and frame parts of a cradle-type swing seat.Such a cradle-type seat was, however, complex and expensive tomanufacture.

Another way of applying a local impact-absorbing structure to a rigidedge is disclosed in our patent specification GB 2,267,223. According tothat specification, the buckling struts mechanism of impact absorptionis replaced by a structure in which energy is absorbed by a hingingaction. To apply such a structure to all the rigid seat and frame partsof a cradle-type swing seat would again result in a complex productexpensive to manufacture.

It is an object of the invention to provide a cradle-type swing seatwhich is better able to meet the conflicting requirements mentionedabove.

The present invention provides a cradle-type swing seat for a childcomprising: a rigid frame; suspension means located on the rigid framefor attaching ropes or chains for suspending the swing seat; and a webof flexible material, attached to and depending from the rigid frame,defining a carrier with apertures, in which carrier a child can sit withits legs extending through the apertures, characterized in that thecarrier is basket-like and in that the material of the web is resilient.

Such a seat achieves safety in use by the flexible resilient nature ofthe carrier which deforms during impact absorbing the energy of theimpact. If a cradle seat is made entirely of resilient, flexiblematerial its ergonomics are poor and the child using it is notcomfortable. The combination of a rigid frame and resilient, flexibleseat part allows a child to sit comfortably in the seat with goodhandhold positions. The seat is also able to meet requirements ofstrength, durability, ease of manufacture, reasonable cost, andresistance to vandalism.

The use of a basket-like carrier as opposed to the “pocket” of the priorart exemplified by the above-mentioned US patent specification givesgreater freedom of movement and comfort to the child. By “basket-like”is meant a structure which has the predetermined three-dimensional formand shape which a basket has but a floppy bag does not. The use ofresilient material for the web has the dual purpose of maintaining theform of the basket and of providing an energy-absorption mechanism inimpact. In contrast, to the construction of our earlier swing seatsdiscussed above, the local protection of each rigid edge by anenergy-absorption structure is not required. The rigid frame, in theswing seat according to the invention is considered to be so located inuse that it does not actually need local edge protection. Instead, thecarrier itself is given its own inherent energy-absorption mechanism byvirtue of the resilient material of which it is made.

Preferably, the frame is in the form of a ring. Such a construction isparticularly simple and easy to manufacture whilst being strong.

Advantageously, the ring is made up of two or more inter-engaging parts.This feature simplifies manufacture, particularly, if a special shape ofring is desired.

Advantageously, the ring is made up of two identical parts, each parthaving a female end and a male end, the male end of one part beingsecured in the female end of the other part. This feature provides astrong assembly coupled with ease of manufacture.

The parts of the ring may be secured to each other by screws. By thismeans, a need for assembly by, for example, welding can be avoided.

The frame may be of tubular form. This feature enables strength andlightness to be combined.

The frame is preferably made of metal. Instead, a suitable plasticsmaterial could be used but metal is preferred.

The frame may be made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has theadvantage of combining strength with resistance to rusting.

Advantageously, the frame is oval. This shape is able to combine comfortfor the child with a good use of the space available for the swing tomove in.

Preferably, the oval has arcuate ends and straight sides. Such a shapeis simple to manufacture.

Preferably, the joins between the parts are in the straight sides. Thisfeature simplifies manufacture and assembly.

Advantageously, the web of material comprises a central portion withprojecting limbs, the limbs being connected to the frame and the spacesbetween the limbs defining the said apertures. This represents aparticularly simple way of creating the apertures. Instead, theapertures could be formed in the material.

Advantageously, the central portion has at least two intersectingexternal ribs for keeping the central portion flat. By this means, it isensured that the carrier does not become merely a “bag with holes” buthas a clearly-defined seat portion for the child to sit on.

Preferably, the depth of the external ribs is greater than the generalthickness of the web. These features enable the ribs to be particularlyeffective in keeping the central portion flat.

Advantageously, at least one external rib is provided along each limb.The ribs increase the resilient stiffness of the structure to providegreater safety in impact but do not add substantially to the mass of theseat.

Advantageously, each limb has a through aperture at its end throughwhich the frame passes to provide the attachment of the web to theframe. This provides a particularly simple means of attaching thematerial to the frame.

Preferably, the limbs include an internal reinforcement in the form of acable or wire. By this means, resistance to vandalism and strength canbe increased without decreasing safety in use.

The internal reinforcement may comprise stainless steel wire rope. Bythis means, deterioration of the reinforcement through rusting can beavoided.

The internal reinforcement may terminate in eyes surrounding the saidthrough apertures. By this means, the security of the attachment of theweb to the frame can be increased.

Each eye is formed by turning back an end of the wire or cable andsecuring it by clamping it within a metal ferrule about the body of thewire or cable. This represents a simple method of manufacture.

Advantageously, the internal reinforcement comprises lengths of cable orwire with an eye at each end, the cables or wires passing through thesaid central portion and the eyes of a cable or wire being attached toopposite sides of the frame. By this means, added security can beachieved by the internal reinforcement being attached to the frame andpassing under the child using the swing.

Advantageously, the web of material is cruciform when developed in plan.This shape defines a very satisfactory shape for the seat.

Preferably, the web is made from a polymeric material. The qualities ofstrength, durability and resilience and the ability to manufacture bymoulding can be achieved by using a polymeric material.

Preferably, the web has a general thickness in the range 6 to 16millimetres inclusive, more preferably in the range 9 to 14 millimetresinclusive. These dimensions are advantageous for combining strength,durability, and safety in impact.

Advantageously, the web of material has been made by moulding the web inthe flat from mouldable polymeric material, the limbs being folded upfrom the central portion for attachment to the frame. This simplifiesmanufacture.

Preferably, the polymeric material is a natural or synthetic rubbermaterial. In particular, the polymeric material may be a PVC nitrilerubber.

Preferably, the web material has a Shore hardness in the range 60 to 80inclusive, more preferably in the range 70 to 75 inclusive. These rangesare particularly suited to providing the said resilience.

A respective moulded sleeve may be provided on the frame about eachsuspension means. By this means, small holes in which a child might pokeand trap a finger can be closed off.

The suspension means may comprise holes in the frame for receivingbolts. In particular, the suspension means may comprise U-bolts and theholes in the frame may be arranged in pairs for receiving U-bolts.

Advantageously, the limbs of the U-bolts are screw-threaded and passthrough the frame from top to bottom (in the in use orientation of theswing seat) and are secured beneath the frame by nuts. Preferably, thenuts are nuts of an anti-removal construction. The nuts may be providedwith covers to prevent access to them.

Advantageously, the bow of each U-bolt is surrounded by a sleeve ofpolymeric material. By this means, metal to metal wear of a metal chainacting on a metal U-bolt can be avoided.

The sleeve of polymeric material may be moulded about the bow.

Metal suspension chains may be provided and attached to the suspensionmeans. By this means, the end user is saved the trouble of obtaining andfitting chains.

The invention also provides a U-bolt provided with a sleeve of polymericmaterial about the bow of the “U”

A cradle-type swing seat constructed in accordance with the inventionwill now be described, by way of example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the seat;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the seat;

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view to a larger scale of two identical membersforming a frame of the seat;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a moulded sleeve used in the seat;

FIG. 5 is an end view corresponding to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view from beneath of a U-bolt used in the seat;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view corresponding to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view at right angles to the view of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of an internal reinforcementused in the seat.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, a cradle-type swing seat 1 for achild comprises a rigid frame 2 of stainless steel, suspension means 4located on the rigid frame for attaching chains for suspending the swingseat, and a web of resilient, flexible material 6, attached to anddepending from the rigid frame 2, defining a basket-like carrier 8 withapertures 10, in which carrier a child can sit with its legs extendingthrough the apertures.

The frame 2 is tubular and in the form of an oval ring and is made up oftwo identical parts 12, each part having a female end 14 and a male end16, the male end of one part being secured in the female end of theother part. The parts of the ring are secured to each other byself-tapping screws 18 received in apertures 20. The oval has arcuateends 22 and straight sides 24, the joins 26 between the parts being inthe straight sides.

The web of material 6 is generally about 12 millimetres thick andcomprises an oval central portion 28 with projecting limbs 30, the limbsbeing connected to the frame 2 and the spaces between the limbs definingthe said apertures 10. The central portion 28 has two intersectingexternal ribs 32, 34 for keeping the central portion flat. As can beseen in FIG. 2, the external ribs 32, 34 have substantially greaterdepth than the general thickness of the web 6. An external rib 36 isprovided along the length of each limb 30.

Each limb 30 has a through aperture 38 at its end through which theframe 2 passes to provide the attachment of the web 6 to the frame. Thelimbs 30 include an internal reinforcement 40 in the form of lengths ofstainless steel rope 42 terminating in eyes 44 surrounding the saidthrough apertures 38. Each eye 44 is formed by turning back an end ofthe stainless steel rope and securing it by clamping it within a metalferrule 46 about the body of the wire or cable. The internalreinforcements 40 pass through and are embedded in the central portion28 and the eyes 44 of any given reinforcement 40 are attached toopposite sides of the frame 2.

The web 6 is cruciform when developed in plan and is made by mouldingthe web in the flat from mouldable polymeric material, the limbs 30being folded up from the central portion 28 for attachment to the frame2. The internal reinforcement 40 is moulded into the web of material.

The polymeric material is a PVC nitrile rubber with a Shore hardness inthe range 70 to 75.

The suspension means 4 comprise holes 50 in the frame for receivingbolts 52, the holes being arranged in pairs for receiving U-bolts. Arespective moulded rubber sleeve 54 is provided on the frame about eachsuspension means 4. The limbs 56 of the U-bolts 52 are screw-threadedand pass through the frame from top to bottom (in the in use orientationof the swing seat) and are secured beneath the frame by nuts 58, thenuts being Binx nuts of an anti-removal construction. The nuts 58 areprovided with covers 60 to prevent access to them so as to reducevandalism.

The bow 62 of each U-bolt is surrounded by a sleeve 64 of polymericmaterial moulded about the bow.

Two metal suspension chains (not shown), each of inverted “Y”configuration are provided and are attached to the suspension means toenable the seat to swing along the central axis parallel to its straightsides.

In summary, the illustrated cradle-type swing seat consists of two mainparts (i) a steel tube ring made in two halves joined together to forman oval frame, and (ii) a resilient, flexible carrier formed by acruciform moulding of resilient, flexible polymeric material. The framehalves have holes for fixing chain suspension parts and holes for fixingthe two halves together. The carrier is fixed to the frame by aperturesat its extremities so that it can be slotted onto the top bar. Theflexible carrier is moulded flat and its limbs are folded up to fix tothe frame. The completed assembly forms a safe swing seat for youngchildren.

The illustrated cradle-type seat provides better safety and comfort thanpreviously know cradle-type seats.

An example of suitable dimensions will now be given with reference tothe letters marked in the drawings: Dimension marked in FIG. 3 Size inmillimetres a 346 b 262 c 20 d 160 e 20 f 46 g 20 h 2 i slot: 7 long 5.5wide j 57 k radius 50 l radius 220 m hole diameter 8 n Diameter 8

Dimension marked in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 Size in millimetres a 54 b 20 c 25d 45 e radius 6 f 25.5 g radius 0.5 h 7.7 i radius 5.15 j 7.7 k 19

Dimension marked in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 Size in millimetres a 30.1 b 8.3 cradius 5.15 d diameter 34.9 e diameter 6.9 f 8.9 g 5.9 h 8.0 i 7.6Dimensions relating to FIG. 10: dimension marked “a” 590 millimetres,eye dimensioned to fit snugly on 1 inch (25.4 millimetres) diameter bar,ferrule 15 millimetres long and 7 millimetres diameter when pressed, andstainless steel wire rope has 3 millimetres diameter and is of 7×19(WSC) construction.

Although the web of material has been shown as moulded in a singlepiece, it would instead be possible to join several parts together.

1-40. (canceled)
 41. A cradle-type swing seat for a child comprising: arigid frame; suspension means located on the rigid frame for attachingropes or chains for suspending the swing seat; and a web of flexiblematerial, attached to and depending from the rigid frame, defining acarrier with apertures, in which carrier a child can sit with its legsextending through the apertures, wherein the carrier is basket-like andthe material of the web is resilient.
 42. A swing seat as claimed inclaim 41, wherein the frame is in the form of a ring, and said ring ismade up of two or more inter-engaging parts.
 43. A swing seat as claimedin claim 42, wherein the ring is made up of two identical parts, eachpart having a female end and a male end, the male end of one part beingsecured in the female end of the other part.
 44. A swing seat as claimedin claim 41, wherein the frame is oval and has arcuate ends and straightsides.
 45. A swing seat as claimed in claim 41, wherein the web ofmaterial comprises a central portion with projecting limbs, the limbsbeing connected to the frame and the spaces between the limbs definingthe said apertures.
 46. A swing seat as claimed in claim 45, wherein thecentral portion has at least two intersecting external ribs for keepingthe central portion flat.
 47. A swing seat as claimed in any claim 45,wherein at least one external rib is provided along each limb.
 48. Acradle-type swing seat for a child comprising: a rigid frame; suspensionelements located on said rigid frame operative to attach chains tosuspend said swing seat; and a basket-like child carrier comprising aweb of resilient, polymeric material having a flat central portion withprojecting limbs, said limbs being connected to and depending from saidframe, the spaces between said limbs defining apertures so that a childcan sit on said flat central portion with its legs extending throughsaid apertures.
 49. A swing seat as claimed in claim 48, wherein saidcentral portion has at least two intersecting external ribs for keepingsaid central portion flat.
 50. A swing seat as claimed in 48, wherein atleast one external rib is provided along each limb.
 51. A swing seat asclaimed in claim 48, wherein said web of material is cruciform whendeveloped in plan.
 52. A swing seat as claimed in claim 48, wherein thematerial of said web is selected from the group consisting of naturalrubber material, synthetic rubber material, and PVC nitrile rubber. 53.A swing seat as claimed in claim 48, wherein the web material has aShore hardness in the range 70 to 75 inclusive.
 54. A swing seat asclaimed in claim 48, wherein said frame is in the form of a ring made upof two identical parts, each part having a female end and a male end,the male end of one part being secured in the female end of the otherpart.
 55. A swing seat as claimed in claim 48, wherein said limbsinclude an internal reinforcement in the form of a cable or wire.
 56. Acradle-type swing seat for a child comprising: a frame in the form of arigid oval ring; suspension elements located on said frame forsuspending said swing seat; and a web of resilient, flexible material,attached to said frame and depending therefrom to define an aperturedbasket-like carrier in which a child can sit with its legs extendingthrough said apertures.
 57. A swing seat as claimed in claim 56, whereinsaid frame has arcuate ends and straight sides.
 58. A swing seat asclaimed in claim 57, wherein said frame is in the form of a ring made upof two identical parts, each part having a female end and a male end,the male end of one part being secured in the female end of the otherpart, and wherein the joins between said two identical parts are in saidstraight sides.
 59. A swing seat as claimed in claim 56, wherein saidframe is of tubular form and made of metal, and wherein the material ofsaid web is selected from the group consisting of natural rubbermaterial, synthetic rubber material, and PVC nitrile rubber.
 60. A swingseat as claimed in claim 56, wherein said central portion has at leasttwo intersecting external ribs for keeping said central portion flat,and at least one external rib is provided along each limb.
 61. A swingseat as claimed in claim 56, wherein said web of material is cruciformwhen developed in plan, and said web is a flat moulding from mouldablepolymeric material with said limbs being folded up from said centralportion for attachment to the frame.